Shortly before nightfall, the first glowing offerings are lowered into the water and float quickly by. Now the Aarti begins. This is nothing other than a religious service celebrated with the chanting of Sanskrit mantras. In the traditional ritual, fire, incense, purified butter, flowers, or sandalwood powder are presented as offerings. Mantras are chanted, which here resound discreetly over the assembled congregation from a loudspeaker. Most people sing along. Every now and then, everyone raises their hands together. A few men walk through the rows, shouting loudly, collecting donations for the temple – these donations finance all kinds of social activities of the temple and the affiliated ashrams. At the climax, by then it is already dark, fires are lit, and on the other bank, men stand waving enormous, multi-branched candlesticks. This is accompanied by gongs, music, and prayers: an uplifting moment.
Translated by Google •
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